I’ll tell you a secret.
Vitamin E has many superpowers. It hydrates your skin, fights offs wrinkles, and even boosts sun protection.
But healing scars? Contrary to legend, that’s something it CAN’T do. Here’s why:
Why You Shouldn’t Use Vitamin E On Scars
I know, I know, everyone is telling you that Vitamin E is the best thing for scars. It’s an old wives’ remedy.
Well, science doesn’t take for granted old wives’ remedies work. It puts them to the test. And what it found out ain’t pretty.
A 1999 study tested two ointment (A and B) on 15 patients who had undergone skin cancer removal surgery. A was Aquaphor (a common emollient) while B was Aquaphor mixed with vitamin E. The patients were told to use ointment A on some of their scars and ointment B on the rest of their scars twice a day.
The results? “In 90% of the cases in this study, topical vitamin E either had no effect on, or actually worsened, the cosmetic appearance of scars.”
Yep, that’s right. Not only Vitamin A did squat, it actually made things worse!
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The Bottom Line
Vitamin E is a wonderful antioxidant that can help prevent the signs of aging, but it doesn’t do anything for scars. You’re better off trying topical silicone gels and sheeting. I know that a lot of people dislike silicones, but it’s the only topical treatment that works for raised scars.
Very helpful! I was trying to fade a surgical scar a couple of years ago, and I used shea butter and Mederma. Not sure what the ingredients are in Mederma, but good chance there’s silicone in there. Frankly, nothing helped all that much except for time. Now the scar has faded, and fortunately it isn’t very raised/the raised part has flattened so I guess I’m happy about it.
Allison, I’m glad you’ve found it helpful. I’ve googled Mederma to check out the ingredients and they seem to use onion extract rather than silicone, which is probably why you didn’t see much of an improvement. I’m glad that scar has faded with time, though.
Onion extract, heavens!
It sounds crazy, doesn’t it? It can actually help with scars to an extent, but does nothing to reduce their height. Silicone sheeting works much better.
Yes, this! Vitamin E did nothing for my burn scar, but luckily it didn’t make it any worse. Wish I had known about silicone sheeting at the time, ah well you eventually learn.
Makeup Morsels, it’s a shame that such an ineffective treatment is very popular, while the one that really works is known only to a few, isn’t it? But at least Vitamin E didn’t make things worse for you.
P.S. already tweeted, but had to say it again: LOVING the new site layout.
Makeup Morsels, of thank you! I’m happy you do.:)